Brooklyn introduces green roof bus stop to combat flooding

A new bus shelter featuring a green roof has been installed in Brownsville, Brooklyn, as part of an initiative to address flooding issues following a notably wet summer in New York City. The shelter, located on Pitkin Avenue, is designed to absorb up to 16 gallons of rainwater during significant rainfall events. This installation aims to provide shade for commuters waiting for the B12 and B14 buses while also contributing to urban resilience against climate change. Mayor Zohran Mamdani stated, "Climate change is already redefining what it means to live in New York City, and our response has to protect New Yorkers where they are, including at bus stops. We are turning everyday infrastructure into an opportunity to make our neighborhoods cooler, greener and more resilient." This bus stop is one of two heat-resistant shelters on Pitkin Avenue, inspired by similar projects in other cities, such as Boston. According to city data, approximately 70% of Brownsville residents rely on public transportation, yet the area has less than 19% tree canopy cover. The second shelter features a reflective roof material that helps reduce heat. Both projects are expected to lower temperatures for commuters by up to 25 degrees. The green roof bus stop is equipped with a drainage system to manage rainwater runoff effectively. This summer, New York City experienced significant flooding, with over a foot of water recorded across the five boroughs on multiple occasions. Central Park received more than 16.7 inches of rain, marking the wettest summer since 2021. The project is funded by Resilient Cities Catalyst, which collaborates with the Mayor’s Office and the Pitkin Avenue Business Improvement District to maintain the plants. Data collected from this prototype will help assess the potential for expanding green roofs to additional bus stops in the city. The green roof is expected to remain until at least November, while the reflective roof is set to stay until May 2027.